977.385 
H191 


Jerseyville  and  Surroundings. 
"Conpliments  of  the  Business  Men's 
Association.  (1891?) 


UNivERSiTi  OF  Illinois  at  Urbana-Champaign 
Librae  Frifnds 


/■^ 


ILLINOIS  HLSTORJCAt  SURVr* 


^1^\"> 


^^tro 


JERSEYVIULE.    ILL. 


j^^^^u^o  a/v^s^/t?/ 


C'l^ 


fycy/uny~c6 


■Q^O  fht'l^Jid  / 


r-o'vu*. 


CA'-Ki 


L  yi^X-^*^ 


'J^: 


sLLiNOIS  HISTORICAL  SURVEY 


* « * « » » « *  * 


• » » » « « * » 


^AND\^- 


B\3S111'SSS    M^"K.'S    ftSSOGlRTlOH. 


1)1!.     A.     A.     SiKlHK.    I'D 


M.V.l.     O.     A.     SXK.I>KKK.1!,     S('f\v. 


JKIBBJEYVII^LE^  1I.MM€)IB« 


'fMI  Vr   wondrous  cliiiiiirc^s  come   witli   the   wliirliijiir  of  tinie! 


jti    "  hilc  111  tlie  fair  litti( 


^oiiic  instiinces  clianfies  that  are  rajjid  and  ephemeral,  in  others 
,1  iiictainoi'iiliose  that  is  ori-adual  and  permanent.  In  the  over- 
)iiit'(l  towns  of  tiic  far  west  we  have  instancies  of  the  former, 
•ity  of  flerseyvilie,  Illinois, — one  of  the 
hiiulitest  >xenis  in  the  diadem  of  a  noble  State, — is  an  instance 
of  till-  latter.  In  l-S.lt,  John  Evans  sold  the  eighty  acres,  the 
]iic-('iil  site  of  tiic  city  of  Jerseyville,  the  county  seat  of  Jersey 
unity.  Illinois,  to  two  parties  named  respectively  Lott  and  Daley,  for  $475. 
i'li-dav  the  aclu.il  valuation  of  property,  real  and  personal,  on  this  eighty 
acres  is  estimated  to  lie  $:^, (KM), 0110  ( tiguies  taken  from  the  last  assessment), 
'i'lie  town  ot  .lerscyville  w.is  laid  off  in  1.S84.  w'as  incorporated  in  1837, 
was  seicctiMl  as  the  county  seat  in  l.Soit,  and  the  city  of  .lerseyville  was  incor- 
p,>iated  under  a  special  charter  in  l.SiiT,  and  in  IWA  was  reorganized  under 
I  lie  irencral  law.  Here  is  no  ephemeral  izrowth,  luit  a  steady,  substantial 
lii-owth.  keeping  pace  with  the  actn;il  needs  and  demands  of  the  residents 
and  their  ability  to  maintain  it.  The  first  settlers  were  men  of  sagacity  and 
prudence;  they  recognized  the  fact  that  the  permanent  growth  and  prosperity 
of  Jerseyville  depended  upon  the  devel()])nient  and  prosperity  of  the  snr- 
roundinii  farming  country.  It  was  an  agricultural  town,  purely  and  ab.so- 
liitclv.  and  they  clearly  foresaw  that  as  the  rich  and  fertile  farming  lands 
around  about  were  developed  and  brought  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  that 
Jerseyville,  as  the  market  town  for  their  bountiful  crops  of  corn,  wheat,  cat- 
tle and  hogs,  would  in  due  time  reap  a  rich  reward  and  become  a  city  fair  to 
look  upon,  possessing  advantages  and  attractions  unsurpassed,  the  pride  at 
once  of  its  own  citizens  and  the  county  at  large.  They  did  not  rush  with  the 
western  impetuosity  of  modern  times  into  extravagant  schemes  and  enter- 
prises, loading  themselves  down  with  municipal  debt,  and  handicapping  their 
posterity   with  intoleral)le  burdens.     They  early  saw  the  secret  of  their  sue- 


M  i;i:il'    SCKNK.    SOITII    STATK,   S'PKKKT. 

cess,  and  mu'tured  it  iiiid  fostered  it.  wiUiiij^  to  hide  tiieir  time,  mid  their 
wisdom  is  seen  iind  felt  by  every  thoughtful  citizen  to-day.  They  lived  in 
plain,  unpretentious  dwellings;  they  made  no  expensive  public  improvements: 
they  denied  themselves  many  of  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  life;  they 
kept  their  taxes  within  their  ability  to  pay;  they  issued  no  bonds,  and  the  re- 
sult was  and  is  a  heritage  without  encumbrance,  bringing  with  it  blessings  in- 
numerable to  the  present  population,  and  which,  if  guarded  with  the  same 
zealous  care  and  wisdom  will  extend  its  tieneticent  effects  to  generations  vet  to 


As  foreseen  and  predicted,  with  the  development  of  the  farming  interests  of 
the  county,  came  material  advancement  and  growth  at  Jerseyville,  the  county 
seat.  The  fair  prairies  of  Jersey  county,  with  their  gorgeous  flowers  and  em- 
(U-ald  sod,  that  once  lay  basking 'neath  a  summer  sun  without  a  trace  of  human 
habitation  upon  their  broad  bosoms,  are  now  under  the  hand  of  the  thrifty 
liusbandman,  yielding  an  abundant  harvest  and  fruitage;  beautiful  and  highly 
cultivated  farms  are  to  be  seen  on  every  hand;  thriving  villages  and  towns 
and  commodious  farm  residences — homes  of  j)eace  and  contentment — greet 
the  eye.  The  wilderness  has  been  changed  to  the  home  of  civilization  and 
wealth.  The  transformation  is  complete,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  no  county 
of  its  dimensions  in  the  (\immonwealth  of  Illinois  can  make  a  better  showing 
in  soil,  products,  wealth,  intelligenc(>.  enterprise,  and  all  tiie  (dements  of  civ- 
ilized life,  tlian  -lersev  Countv. 


i;ksii)kn(k  of  wallack  i.ki(;h.  wkst  I'Eaki.^sthekt. 


These  statements  are  iikkIc  in  tliis  little  panijililet  for  the  iiifonnation  of 
investors  and  home  seekers,  and  others  into  whose  hands  it  may  fall  seek- 
ing a  change  of  location.  'Jhe  pamphlet  is  issued  by  the  Citizens'  Associa- 
tion of  the  City  of  Jerseyville,  and  it  is  the  desire  of  the  members  of  this 
Association  that  only  facts  shall  be  recorded  in  its  pages — facts  which  can  be 
verified  iij)on  investigation,  and  which  they  feel  confident  will  induce  manv 
new  comers  to  their  midst. 

The  principal  fact  which  it  is  sought  to  emphasize  and  make  public,  is 
that  the  City  of  Jerseyville,  standing  as  it  does  upon  a  solid  basis,  without  a 
cumbersome  debt,  with  phenomenally  low  taxes,  with  excellent  schools,  with 
a  rich  agricultural  country  surrounding,  with  fine  public  improvements,  with 
good  railroad  transportation  facilities,  wi  its  high  and  healthful  location, 
is  a  most  desirable  place  in  which  to  locate,  offering  superior  inducements 
in  all  departments  of  business. 

.\nd  there  is  another  fact  that  this  Association  desires  to  give  especial 
prominence,  and  that  is  that  -Terseyville,  by  reason  of  her  new  system  of 
water  works  and  abundant  supply  of  water,  is  better  prepared  than  ever  be- 
fore to  do  manufacturing  of  all  kinds,  and  to  encourage  the  planting  of  man- 
ufactories and  industrial  enterprises  within  her  limits.  Jerseyville,  like  most 
inland  cities,  has  long  felt  the  need  of  an  abundant  water  supply;  the  city 
has  spent  much  time  and  money  in  searching  and  experimenting  for  water, 
but  her  citizens  were  plucky  and  determined,  and  last  year  sunk  an  artesian 
well  ■2,nO()  feet,  when  their  efforts  were  rewarded  b\- an  abundant  How  of  arte- 


CITY    WATEIi    WOKKS. 


siiin  water,  and  the  eonti-act  was  at  niicp  made  with  the  Rockford  Construc- 
tion Co.,  of  llociiford,  Illinois,  to  i)ut  in  water  works,  the  plans  for  the  same 
haviiiij  been  furnished  by  (i.  C.  Morgan,  engineer,  of  Chicago.  The  water  i." 
soft  anil  of  tlie  best  (|iiaiity  for  all  jiurposes,  and  is  seemingly  inexhaustible, 
and  the  citizens  feel  that  the  (juestion  of  water  snpi)ly  is  settled  for  all  fntni-(^ 
time. 

Abundance  of  water  and  cheap  fuel  are  prerequisites  to  successful  man- 
ufacturing. The  water  we  have,  and  the  fuel  we  have  but  as  yet  undeveloped. 
There  is  abundance  of  coal  in  Jersey  County  for  the  future  use  of  the  inhabi- 
tants; the  two  coal  mines  near  Brighton,  on  tlie  eastern  side  of  the  county, 
are  the  best  workalile  beds  in  the  state,  being  the  greatest  in  thickness  and 
furnishing  the  most  valuable  coal.  These  two  beds  crop  out  along  the  east- 
ern portion  of  the  county,  and  one  of  them.  No.  5,  furnishes  most  of  the  coal 
mined   in   the  enuntv,  as  it  does  in  the  stat<'.      This  coal  is  easy  of  access,  be- 


i;(M;i,i;r  xkwton  oi  son's  AiiHii  ri/nuAi.  wouKi' 


<^,f^u/f-    g^X-yu   ' 


iii£  near  tlic  siirf,icc.  and  const'ciiuMitly  requires  small  outlay  tor  sinking  shafts, 
which  should  and  will  in  time  make  it  very  eheap  to  the  consumer.  Coal  is 
brought  to  us  now  \)\  lail  from  Alloii.  Cliatliam.  \inlen,  (iirard.  I'ctcrshurg. 
Chestertield  and  Springticld.  and  hy  reason  of  the  comiietition  existing  is  laid 
down  in  Jersey\iilc  at  a  rcmarkahly  low  rate,  sufficiently  so  to  make  manu- 
facturing in  many  directions,  other  things  being  equal,  safe  and  ])rotital)lc. 

AVe  thus  feel  justified  in  saying  to  manufacturers  seeking  favorable  loca- 
tions, that  we  have  in  Jerseyville  abundance  of  water  and  cheai)  fuel,  which, 
added  to  our  sujjerior  railroad  facilities,  should  make  this  point  a  very  desir- 
rable  one  for  many  kinds  of  maimfacturing.  And  the  association  is  encour- 
aged to  believe  that  when  these  pertinent  facts  are  fully  understood,  a  great 
impetus  will  be  given  our  manufacturing  interests,  and  that  the  city  will  enter 
upon  an  era  of  prosperity  in  this  direction  never  before  reached.  Agricul- 
ture has  made  Jerseyville  what  she  is  to-day.  and  will  contintu>  to  contribute 
to  her  support  and  growth,  and  the  citizens,  realizing  that  there  are  greater 
possibilities  in  store  for  them  if  they  put  forth  the  required  energy  and  effort, 
desire  by  all  honorable  means  to  induce  manufacturers  to  come  to  their  midst. 
They  have  at  great  expense  supplied  the  means  and  facilities  foi  cheap  man- 
facturing.  and  these,  together  with  other  favoring  conditions  and  circum- 
stances which  they  can  show,  they  feel  assured  will  conduce  to  the  desired  end. 

Jerseyville  ha,s  a  population  numbering  4.000.  wide-awake.  ih(n-ough- 
going,  enterprising  people,  and  is  located  on  the  Jacksonville  and  Kan.sas  City 
division  of  the  Chicago  and  Alton  Railway,  and  the  main  line  of  the  St.  Louis, 
Alton  and  Springfiekl  Railway,  forty-three  miles  from  St.  Louis  and  sixty- 
eight  miles  from  Springticld.  the  Capital  of  the  State.     The  city  has  a  high. 


RESIDENCE  OF  .HMKJE  P.   D.  CHENEY,   NORTH   STATE  STREET. 


couiinaiiilini:-  and  liealtliful  location,  heiiiii  -"^'•'^  f^et  above  tlie  ^Mississippi 
river,  situated  ou  high,  rolling  prairie  land,  the  highest  [joint  between  Alton 
and  Jacksonville  on  the  line  of  the  C.  &  A.  R.  R.,  affording  i)nre,  invigorat- 
ing ail'  not  vitiated  with  malarious  or  other  deleterious  substances,  and  a 
measure  of  health  quite  unknown  to  the  average  city  of  its  class;  affording 
also  admirable  natural  drainage  and  other  sanitary  conditions  unexcelled. 

Many  ornate  private  residences  are  to  be  seen  along  its  highways,  while 
its  churches  and  public  buildings  are  many  of  them  models  of  modern  archi- 
tectural beautj'  and  finish,  l^uxuriant  shade  trees  are  numeious,  while  the 
many  beautiful,  shaded  lawns  to  be  seen  are  pleasing  to  the  eye,  and  indicate 
the  abodes  of  people  at  once  cultured  and  refined. 

Th(^  city  is  under  the  best  municipal  government,  the  streets,  alleyways 
and  sidewalks  are  kept  in  good  repair,  with  due  regard  given  to  their  cleanli- 
ness. The  city  tax  has  seldom  if  ever  exceeded  fifty  cents  on  the  one  hun- 
dred dollars,  and  frequently  the  revenue  from  other  sources  has  been  sufB- 
cient  to  meet  tlu;  city  expenditures.  The  city  fathers,  as  before  intimated, 
wisely  deferred  the  matter  of  city  improvements  until  such  time  as  they  could 
be  undertaken  without  burdensome  results.  Two  years  ago  a  connnodious 
city  hall  was  erected,  and  the  present  summer  the  new  city  water  works  have 
been  constructed,  and  it  is  learned  fi-om  a  reliable  source  that  $2.5,000  five 
])er  cent,  twonfy-vear  bonds,  rcceiitlv  negotiated,  cover  the  entire  munici]ial 
indebtedness. 


■KAUI-  STKEET.   /      o^/C^/ 

The  husine.ss  houses  are  especially  attractive,  a  number  of  blocks  dcv  ;is- 
tated  by  fire  a  few  years  since  being  replaced  vvith  new  and  elegant  buildings, 
giving  that  portion  of  the  city  an  imposing  appearance.  In  a  word,  Jersey- 
ville  is  a  bright,  cheery,  enterprising  and  beautiful  little  citj'  that  evokes  the 
admiration  of  all  strangers  and  visitors.  The  business  interests  are  mostly  in 
the  hands  of  young  men — men  of  push,  energy  and  enterprise,  who  respond 
liberall}'  and  promptly  to  any  and  ail  projects,  schemes  and  enterprises  calcu- 
lated to  enhance  the  interests  of  the  city.  As  a  result,  the  city  has  an  air  of 
business  thrift  and  prosperit}'  noticeable  at  all  times. 

There  are  nine  church  edifices:  Two  Catholic  (one  German),  Methodist 
Episcopal,  Presbyterian,  Baptist,  Episcopal,  German  Lutheran,  Colored  Bap- 
tist, and  Colored  Methodist.  Of  benevolent  orders  there  are  a  Masonic  Lodge 
and  Chapter,  Odd  Fellows'  Lodge  and  Encampment,  Knights  of  Honor,  Sons 
of  Temperance,  A.  O.  U.  W.  Lodge,  Grand  Army  Post,  Sons  of  Veterans 
Camp,  Modern  Woodmen  Camp,  W.  C.  T.  V .  .organization,  and  Western 
Catholic  Union  society. 

There  are  three  weekly  newspapers,  viz.:  The  Jersey  County  Democm/. 
the  EepuhJican-Examinfr,  the  Jiepi(fjlica»  Call,  and  the  Daily  Call. 

Within  the  jiast  year  a  board  of  trade  known  as  the  Citizens'  Association 
was  organized,  the  prime  purpose  of  which  is  to  look  after  the  business  inter- 
terests  and  to  afford  organized  and  concerted  effort  in  all  undertakings  in- 
volving the  welfiire  of  the  city.  The  membership  includes  our  most  promi- 
nent and  intluentinl  business  men,  and  the  utility  of  tiic  oi-ganization  is  already 
well  established. 


1(1 


KESIDENCK  OF  MRS.   HELENA  BEHTMAN,  GIDDINGSAVE.     ..^/oj^?  7. /tU 

Jerseyville  has  for  many  A^ears  been  the  jrreatpst  grain  center  in  this  part 
of  the  state.  The  steam  mills  and  elevators,  of  wiiich  there  are  tive,  are 
worked  to  their  fullest  capacity  during  the  grain  season,  and  retain  the  trade 
and  custom  of  the  surrounding  country  by  their  liberal  management  and  the 
uniform  payment  of  the  highest  cash  market  prices  for  grain.  A  glance  at 
the  yearly  shipments  by  rail  from  this  point,  and  a  comparison  of  the  same 
with  shipments  from  other  neighboring  points  on  our  roads,  will  fully  corrob- 
orate our  statement.  The  tonnage  fowarded  by  the  C.  &  A.  R.  R.  froin 
this  station  during  the  hist  twelve  months,  including  wheat,  corn  and  live 
stock,  amounted  to  38,()().S,,')(!1  pounds,  while  the  tonnage  of  freight  received 
for  the  same  period  was: 

Lnmber,  3.;U!»,40(»  lbs. 

Soft  Coal,  (i,712,()(»t»  lbs. 

Miscellaneous    freight,  7,907,684  lbs. 


Totiil,  17,.S(;9.0,S4  lbs. 

This  includes  regular  legitimate  freight,  and  not  Company  freight,  on 
which  there  are  no  charges.  From  the  local  agent  of  the  St.  L.,  A.  &  S.  R. 
R.  we  get  the  following  figures  for  the  twelve  months  past: 

njEinilT    FOKWAliOED. 

Stock. 

(ir;iin  and  Merciiandise, 

FI!F.I(411T    TtF.rF.IVED. 

!\Ierch;in(lise,  etc.. 
Total  Xo.   cars   handled. 


120  Cars. 
7;50  Cars. 


1,2!  10  C;irs. 
2.04(1 


11 


ODD   FKI.r.OWS   Il.U.I,.   WEST  PEARI.    STREET. 


THESE  IMPROVEMENTS 
are  invaluabfe  as  all  men  of  experience  and  observation  will  admit.  Tliey 
come  slowly,  oftentimes  after  years  of  effort  and  vain  endeavor,  hut  tiicy 
bring  with  them  blessings  and  untold  advantages,  which  amply  repay  the 
effort  it  costs  to  get  them.  Jerseyville  is  proud  of  these  improvements,  they 
are  substantial  and  permanent,  and  will  doubtless  contribute  greatly  to  her 
future  increase  in  wealth  and  population. 

The  extensive  car  and  machine  shops  of  the  St.  L..  A.  &  S.  R.  R.  have 
been  located  at  Jerseyville,  and  are  now  under  process  ot  erection.  The  new 
turn-table  has  been  put  in.  and  the  walls  of  the  round-house  and  machine 
shops  are  well  up  in  the  air.  These  shops  will  in  time  give  employment  to  a 
large  number  of  men,  and  contribute  no  inconsiderable  amount  to  the  busi- 
ness interests  of  the  citv. 


\2 


HKSIDENCK  OF  (iKO.   W.    WAKE,    WEST   PEARL  STKKET. 


We  have  the  usual  eoinplement  of  meirhants  and  hiisiness  men,  hiwyers, 
physicians,  bankers,  dentists,  real  estate  and  insurance  agents,  hotels,  mechan- 
ics, masons,  carpenters,  tailors,  etc.,  etc  ,  found  in  places  of  this  size. 

There  are  three  loan  and  building  associations  at  Jerseyville,  which  un- 
der wise  management  are  doing  much  to  build  up  the  city,  particularly  the 
additions  laid  off  in  late  years.  The  money  is  loaned  readily  and  always 
commands  a  good  premium.  Among  the  oldest  of  these  associations  is  what 
is  known  as  the  '-Jerseyville  Building,  Loan  and  Homestead  Association,"  a 
corporation  with  an  authorized  capital  stock  of  $.500,000.  Shares  $100  each. 
Stock  subscribed  and  issued  now  in  force : 
1st  Series  of  stock  now  in  force, $97,00(t  00 


2d 

;^d 

4th 
r)th 


4.H.200  00 
;^0,S()0  00 
17,900  00 
23, .500  00 


Total  stock  in  force.  $217,400  00 

A  new  series  will  be  started  in  December  next.     The  stock  is  held  by 

about    2.50   holders,   mostly  residents  of  Jerseyville.     It  has  loans  in  force 


i;] 


IIKKHMAN    I'.I.OiK.    Ndlil'll    MAIN    ^IliKKI. 


iuiiountiiiir  to  tlic  sum  of  $.'> J.oill).  'riu'st'  lo;m>  li:i\i' l)ccii  luailc  in  l;ir<r('  mo.-is- 
iire  to  por.soiis  for  tli<>  purpose  of  hiiildiiio;  or  pincliasing  lioiiies.  or  to  ])ay  off 
enc'uinhrauees  airaiiist  tlieir  home.-;.  This  association  is  in  a  flourishin<r  t-on- 
(lition.  is  well  managed,  and  is  doinjr  a  vast  amount  of  good  to  the  city. 

Stock  in  the  1st  series  sells  at  an  advance  of  ?!4.n;i  more  ]ier  shaie  than 
has  been  ])ai(l  in  upon  it. 

TluTc  is  a  well    organized    tii-e   department    in   .Ie|-se\  ville.  with  co;uplctc 
hook  and  l.-iddei'  apjiaratus.  and  with  our  lu'w  water  woi-k--  we  >iiall  ha\c  i-oin 
parative  ininmnity  from  the  danger  of  fire. 

The  old  Coui-t  House  witii  jail  attached,  huilt  in  1.^40.  was  destroyed  liv 
fire  January  i>.  1S|S4.  \  new  an  1  substantial  jail,  has  been  built,  at  a  cost  of 
$lfi,0()().  and  in  the  near  future  a  new  and  si)lendid  Court  House  sti-uciure 
will  adorn  the  sipuire  at  the  county  seat.  The  county  is  under  township  or- 
ganization, and  i.s  entirely  out  of  debt,  a  fact  of  especial  interest  to  all  home 
seekers  and  investors  and  which  speaks  wtdl  for  the  elhcieney  of  the  nrinage- 
ment  of  countv  affairs. 


1 1. 


.IKUSEYVIl.I.K   in'BI.lC   SCHOOI.  lU"  1 1.DINO. 


EDUCATIONAL 

Educiitioiiiil  facilities  and  iidviintages  are  of  the  tirst  iiii])()rtance  to  a  man 
seeking  a  i)erinanent  investment  or  home,  and  in  these  particulars  Jerseyville 
has  been  siuguhirly  foi-tuiiate  in  the  past,  and  will,  no  doiit)t,  maintain  the 
same  standard  of  efficiency  in  the  future.  Her  graded  public  schools  and 
high  school  have  for  a  number  of  years  past  been  under  the  guidance  and 
'  manao-ement  of  Prof .  Joshua  Pike,  a  man  of  state  wide  reputation  as  an  edu- 
cator, whose  acknowledged  superior  abilities,  and  personal  wortli  as  a  citizen, 
have  done  nuudi  to  popularize  our  schools  and  give  them  a  rank  and  standing 
ei|ua!i'(l  b\'  few  and  surpassed  by  none  in  the  state.  We  \cnture  tiie  opinion 
tiuit  nowhere  throughout  the  limits  of  the  state  can  a  stronger  and  healthier 
sentiment  in  favor  of  good  schools  be  found  than  in  Jersey  ville.  All  classes 
unite  in  this  sentiment,  because  all  classes  have  felt  the  beneficial  results. 
Some  twelve  classes  have  been  graduated  at  our  high  school,  and  these  young 
men  and  young  women  are  to-day,  many  of  them,  either  teaching  within  the 
county  or  holding  responsible  positions,  filling  the  places  of  useful  and  hon- 
ored citizens.  As  an  evidence  of  the  practical  training  and  thorough  instruc- 
tion of  these  schools  we  may  refer  to  the  fact  that  our  gradmites  are  admitted 
to  Harvard,  Y;de,  Cornell,  and  Ann  Arbor  Universities  unconditionally,  and 
fre([uently  pass  directly  into  the  higher  professional  schools  of  the  land. 
Our  district  tiii<  year  is  building  a  new  and  handsome  annex  to  the  central 
public  school  iiuildint;'.  Ii>  meet  the  increased  deniaiid  foi-  seats.      The  numbei- 


KlIiST   I'KKSUVTKHIAN   CIHlx'CH.   SOITII    STATK  STKK.KT 


of  outside  tuition  sliidciits  is  yearly  iiicr(':isiii;L;-.  aiKl  tlic  ,r<'\  imiuc  ficmi  tiiis 
source  iilone  is  siifficieiil  to  pay  the  salaries  of  the  superintendent  and  assist- 
tants.  The  district  has  no  debt  save  the  one  just  created  for  the  annex  (  $10,- 
000  twenty  year  bonds  at  five  per  cent.),  which  will  make  no  perceptible  in- 
crease in  taxation.  We  now  have  a  seatinsj  capacity  for  1200  pupils  and  stu- 
dents, with  eii^ht  irrades  in  the  lower  srranmier  dci)artinent  and  a  four  years 
course  in  the  hijih  school.  With  flourishing  schools  and  churches  the  tnuntlr 
of  Jerseyyille  is  all  that  could  be  desired.  There  is  no  rust  on  Jersey ville. 
nor  do  her  ])eople  move  in  ruts.  They  are  an  active,  l)ustling,  reading,  trdrcl- 
^■n5' people,  fully  alive  to  the  higher  retinements  and  social  amenities  and  con- 
ventionalities of  lite. 


iir 


Ki.r.cTKic  LKiiri'  ri,.\Ni'. 


AN    ELECTRIC   LIGHT   PLANT 

()H'AS  been  in  siicc-cssf'ul  ojjeration  the  past  two  years,  siipplyinij  fiftv-.seveii 
t,»  street  lamps  of  32  cantlle  power,  and  our  business  houses  and  residences 
'?^  with  this  Ix'st  of  improved  light  at  a  very  reasonable  cost. It  is  the  Edison 
system,  with  an  8(l-horso  power  holler,  and  7")-hoi'se  power  Armington  & 
Sims  engine.  It  has  two  No.  10  Edison  Dynamos,  and  all  necessary  appli- 
ances and  tixtures.  Its  capacity  is  (!()()  KUcandle  power  laui])s,  and  it  is  [)ro- 
iionnced  t)y  visitors  to  l)c  ('i|iial  it' not  superior  to  am'  plant  of  its  siz(>  in  tiie 
country. 

The  water  works  Just  completed  arc  owned  by  the  city,  and  the  wat(>r 
will  lie  furnishcil  to  consumers  at  the  very  lowest  possible  price. 

Tlic  piairie  lands  of  .Tei'sey  county,  with  their  rich,  black,  alluvial  soil, 
seem  the  lionic  of  wh(>at,  corn  and  other  grains,  while  the  bluff  and  l)roken 
lands  in  the  vicinit\  of  the  livcrs  are  well  adapted  to  the  culture  of  the  crajie 
and  other  fruits,  and  taking  the  county  as  a  whole,  in  an  agricultural  sense, 
it  ranks  with  the  best  in  the  static  and  its  ])roximity  to  these  o;reat  rivers,  tf)- 
gctlicr  with  the  excellent  lailroad  facdities.  must  coiunieiid  it  to  all  seeking 
homes  in  the  west . 


_   ^-:^-  ^JA^   ^-    _^3®^. 


^  ^;^^<^/'     CAR  SUOI'S  OF  ST.  LOUIS,  ALTON  AND  SPRINGFIELD  RAILltOAI), 


-/i 


IIIKKK  arc   tliie.-   li 


RAILROADS 
>f   lailroad   travcisin^   tlic    i(M-i-ir<)r\ 


,1.  rscy 
Ihe    M. 


's-'^'-^  Coiiiitv,  comn'ftins   it    with   eastern   and   southern   niarUot? 

-^.^  Louis  and  Kansast  ity  hrancii  of  the  ("hica<ro  and  Alton  K.  H.  has  two 
stations  within  llic  connty — .Terseyvilie  and  Delhi.  Tlu'  Uo<-k  I.-land  .and  St. 
Louis  Inanch  of  the  ('..  \\.  &  (^.  \l.  \l.  has  one  station  in  the  eonnty.  Keni- 
])er.  while  the  .St.  Louis.  .Vlton  and  Springfield  hraneh  ot  the  Wabash,  now 
known  as  the  Bluff  Line,  ent<'rs  the  county  from  the  northeast,  passini;- 
Fidelity,  .Terseyvilie  and  thenee  on  in  a  southwesterlv  direelion  to  Xewl)ern. 
where  it  branches,  one  branch  iroing  to  Grafton.  Jersey  C'onntv,  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi river,  and  the  other  south  to  Alton  and  St.  Louis.  We  thus  have  at 
.lenseyviile  the  Kansas  City  branch  of  the  C.  &  \.  R.  R.  o-ivinjr  us  an  outlet 
north,  south,  and  to  the  far  west,  and  the  St.  L.,  .\.  &  S.  R.  R.  jrivinL'  ns  an 
outlet  east,  west,  and  south,  the  latter  line  also  irivinir  us  eoni])etiti()n  rates 
to  St.  Louis  and  Chicago. 

In  addition  to  these  iron  roads,  Jersey  County  is  favored  with  .about 
thirty  miles  of  river  front  on  the  Mississippi  and  Illinois  rivers,  which  great 
water  ways  facilitate  the  transportation  of  merchandise  and  the  surplus  of 
produce  of  Jersey  county  and  this  portion  of  the  State,  bringing  us  into 
direct  communication  with  the  great  marts  of  connnerce  north  and  south,  and 
addino:  to  the  commercial  value  of  overvthin<r  we  profliiee. 


IH 


MmhMmsMmm\y 


I'l.IFTOX    rKKKACi:. 


'riie  receiTt  exteiisicrn  of  the  St.  L.,  A.  &  S.  R.  R.  from  Newljern  to  Alton 
and  St.  Louis,  has  brought  within  easy  reach  of  Jei-seyviile  what  is  destined 
to  be  one  of  the  most  popuhir  summer  and  pleasure  resorts  in  the  west,  and 
which  is  now  extensively  patronized  by  our  home  people  in  the  way  of  picnics 
and  pleasure  seeking  parties.  Clifton  Terrace  is  located  on  the  Mississippi, 
about  fourteen  miles  from  JerseyviHe,  on  the  line  of  this  road.  The  bluff 
scenery  on  the  Mississippi  for  twenty  miles  above  Alton,  is  unsurpassed  in 
picturesque  beauty  and  loveliness,  rivalling  even  the  famous  Palisaides  of  the 
historic  Hudson.  These  castellated  clilTs  come  squarely  to  the  river  front, 
and  rearing  their  frescoed  walls  to  a  height  of  one  hundred  feet,  or  more, 
stand  there,  as  they  did  in  ages  past,  like  mute  sentinels  guarding  the  might}' 
•>  Father  of  Waters"  in  its  ceaseless  and  noiseless  flow  to  the  Gulf.  Through 
a  gorge  letting  down  to  the  river  the  high  lands  of  Clifti-n  are  reached,  where 
;i  magnificent  view  is  obtained,  embracing  three  of  the  greatest  rivers  on  the 
(•(nitinent,  tiie  Missouri,  Mississippi,  and  Illinois,  and  a  beautiful  landscape 
stretching  away  towaixl  to  the  setting  sun  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  diversi- 
fied here  and  there  by  patches  of  woodland,  winding  streams,  and  picturesque 
liill   :iiid   (laic,  the   whole   producing   a  scenic   effect   of  unpandleled    natural 


CI.IKTOX   TF.K'KACK   liKACll. 


Oj^positt'  tlic  iimin  slioio  in  the  river  at  this  point  is  an  ishiiul,  wiiirh  has 
the  effect  of  producing  an  almost  stationary  body  of  water  for  nearl^^  a  mile 
fronting  Clifton  Terrace,  making  the  river  especially  attractive  for  boating 
and  bathing  purposes.  A  splendid  beach  is  found  here,  extendmg  out  from 
the  island,  and  this  season  bath  houses  have  been  erected,  and  daily,  numbers 
of  people  can  be  seen  sporting  in  the  surf.  It  is  the  purpose  of  this  railroad 
company  to  beautify  this  island,  and  erect  upon  it  a  commodious  summer  ho- 
tel, and  its  proximity  to  Jerseyville,  Alton  and  St.  Louis  make  the  scheme  a 
feasible  one  and  an  assured  success. 

Further  along  on  the  river  bluff  in  Jersey  county  and  on  this  same  line 
of  railroad  (St.  L.,  A.  &  S.),  are  what  are  known  as  the  Piasa  Bluffs  .Assem- 
bly (Irounds,  and  the  grounds  of  the  Piasa  Improvement  Company,  which 
are  destined  also  in  the  not  far  distant  future  to  become  a  most  delightful 
and  i)opular  place  of  resort.  Several  hundred  acres  of  the  river  front  are 
owned  by  a  wealthy  syndicate  that  proposes  to  establish  here  a  "  Western 
Chautauqua,"  that  shall  rival  the  famous  Chautauqua  of  New  York  in  phys- 
ical attractions  and  conveniences,  as  well  as  in  its  literary,  scientific,  and  relig- 
ious features.  Already  extensive  improvements  ai'e  under  wav:  the  grounds 
are  being  laid  off  into  walks  and  drives,  cottages  are  beins  built,  and  the  con- 
tracts are  let  for  a  spacious  summer  hotel. 


UESIDKXCK  OF   DI!     A      \.   SHOBK,   KAST  PEAKI.  STREET. 


Anotlicr  item  that  was  overlooked  in  our  niention  of  the  new  artesian 
well.and  which  will  add  jjreatlv  to  the  attractiveness  of  our  looality  and  make 
it  a  health  resort  second  to  none  in  the  state,  is  tlie  medicinal  properties  this 
water  is  shown  to  possess.  The  anal_vsis  was  made  at  the  laboratory  of  Beloit 
CoUeire,  Wis.,  by  Prof.  Erastus  G.  Smith,  an  eminent  chemist,  and  discloses 
the  presence  of  healthful  elements  in  parts  of  potassa,  soda,  magnesia,  alum- 
ina, iron,  chlorine,  sulphuric  acid  gas,  carbonic  acid  gas,  and  silica.  We 
have  not  spa<'e  for  the  tabulated  statement,  showing  the  combination  of  these 
acid  gases  and  l)ases,  but  such  statement  we  will  gladly  furnish  to  any  one 
desiring  it.  In  concluding  his  report  Prof.  Smith  says:  "The  waters  from  the 
Jerseyville  well  will  probably  prove  laxative  in  effect,  though  not  excessively 
so,  and  are  certainly  free  from  all  deleterious  organic  matters." 

We  may  also  add  that  this  water  is  proving  most  excellent  for  steam.  It 
has  been  thoroughly  tested  in  locomotive  and  other  boilers,  and  produces  far 
less  scaling  upon  the  boilers  than  other  water,  even  surface  water  taken  from 
])onds  or  from  sjirings,  which  fact  adds  greatly  to  its  value  for  all  purposes. 


21 


WILKY    ISI.OIK,   NoIiTIl    MAIN   STUKK  I'. 


The  .Irrscy  County  Fair,  held  amiiially  at  .iL'isfyvillc.  is  an  institution  in 
which  the  citizens  of  .lerseyville  and  the  county  at  huge  take  especial  pride. 
This  Fair  has  been  of  incalcuhable  benefit  to  the  city,  and  continues  to  main- 
tain its  remarkable  prestige  and  success.  The  grounds  and  improvements 
cost  originally  $1;"), ()()(),  and  the  first  fair  was  held  in  1S()8,  and  through  the 
liberal  policy  of  the  stock  holders  the  yearly  net  proceeds  of  the  fair  ha\e 
been  used  in  beautifying  and  improving  the  grounds  until  now  we  have  exhibi- 
tion grounds  and  facilities  second  to  none  of  similar  fairs  in  the  state.  These 
annual  fairs  have  contributed  greatly  to  the  improvement  of  stock  and  grain 
products  in  the  county,  and  the  active  and  supporting  interest  felt  for  the 
Fair  by  our  townspeople  will  not  permit  it  to  languish  and  suffer,  as  have 
many  similar  fairs  in  other  counties  in  the  state.  The  iioard  of  director  sand 
officers  are  annually  chosen  from  among  our  best  citizens,  and  b\'  judicious 
management,  a  livel}-  and  indeed  enthusiastic  interest  is  maintained. 

We  have  referred  somewhat  in  detail  to  these  attractions,  that  home  seek- 
ers and  investors,  into  whose  hands  this  little  pamphlet  may  fall,  may  know 
something  of  the  pleasurable  and  |)r()fitat)ie  resources  cnjovcd  hy  the  citizens 
of  Jersevville. 


22 


strkf:t  scene,  nohtii  main  street. 


t9 


^KULY,  Nature  has  .smiled  upon  tliis  favored    spot,  situated  as   it  is 
^':J^^   in  such  a  rich  and  pi-osperous  eounti^y.     Look,  and  you  see  the  evi- 
OO      tlences  of  it  on  ail  sides.      It    is  written  in  the    perfect   blue   of  the 

cloudless  skies;  the  hahny  breezes  whisper  of  it  in  vour  consciou.'?  ear. 

and  the  broad  and  fertile  lands  testify  to  it  by  yielding  plenteous  crops 
to  the  thrifty  farmer.  The  equable  climate  here  is  what  may  be  termed  semi- 
southern — the  location  being  just  far  enough  north  to  be  free  from  protracted  J 
oppressive  heat  and  sultriness,  and  far  enough  south  to  escape  the  sweep  ot 
blizzards.  Whether  it  be  due  to  the  comparatively  high  altitude  or  some 
mystery  of  nature,  the  fact  remains  that  refreshing  breezes  prevail  here  dur- 
ing almost  the  entire  heated  term,  and  even  when  the  days  are  warmest,  the 
nights  arc  usually  cool,  making  a  blanket  a  comfort.  The  purity  of  the  at- 
mosphere and  uniformity  of  temperature,  coupled  with  extraordinary  natural 
advantages  and  attractions  combine  to  make  Jerseyville  a  most  desirable  and 
healthful  Jibiding  place.  Pneumonia  is  very  rare,  and  what  is  more  remark- 
able, diptheria  and  scarlatina,  those  scourges  of  many  otherwise  healthful 
localities,  are  here  almost  unknown. 


23 


VANDK.HVdOHT   Bl.dCK,   WEST  PF.AHI.  STUKKT. 


We  li:ive  thus  iiupertectly  ami  witliout  any  attt'inpt  at  ilietorir,  endeav- 
ored, for  the  information  of  those  seeking  homes  or  business  investments,  and 
particularly  manufacturers,  to  set  forth  the  advantages,  resources,  and  attrac- 
tions to  be  found  in  our  city.  There  is.  of  course,  much  omitted  in  this  hasty 
sketch,  but  we  promise  to  make  £Ood  everj-  statement  herein  set  forth,  and 
shall  take  pleasure  in  calling  attention  to  additional  details  nf)t  here  men- 
tioned. 

Write  to  the  secretary  of  the  Citizens"  Association,  or,  which  is  hcltei-, 
come  yourself  and  see  us  and  be  convinced  of  the  truth  of  what  we  attirni. 
Jerseyville  is  not  an  Eldorado,  nor  is  it  Utopia,  ^^'e  are  a  busy,  active, 
working  people,  and  we  hope  by  supplying  the  necessary  means  and  i-esourt-es 
to  induce  others  of  the  same  sort  to  come  among  us. 

Our  Citizens'  Association   is   thoroughly  organized,  with  committees  ap- 
pointed to  especially   look  after  the   entertainment  of  prospectors  who  may 
visit  our  city,  and  all  such  parties  are  earnestly  requested  to  make  themselves. 
known  to  these  committees  through  the  secretary,  Mr.  ISnedeker. 

We  conclude  the  pages  of  this  panijihlet  with  additional  views  of  promi- 
nent bnildines  in  the  c.itv. 


RKSIDF-iVrK  OF  .TUDGK  tiKO.   W.   HKKDMAN,  NORTH    LIBERTY  STUEKT. 


tiKSlDKNCK  DF  .Tl'lXJK    M.   K.B.VIil.KY,   1-IBKRTY    .\\l)   1'      F   S'l'RKETR. 


'e 


KKSIDKNCK    iiK    Dli.    Al.liRn    I!.    A  M.K.N,    !■'.  \Sl'    KX(   11  \  \(,  K    S  ri;i;i;i'. 


SHKFHAKl)    BI.IK'K.   S<)<TH    STATK.   STHEET. 


1>AMF.1,S  liI,(K-K,  Sdrni  STATK  STRKET. 


y 


noVI.K    HI.dCK,   fOKNKli  STAIK   AND   AKCH   STREETS. 


y 


Diinsnx    >;    (I   iri'IS'  KOI.l.Ki;    MII,1.S. 


-~^       ,r^*i».r  s  /^^  ,    J-- 


RESIDENCE    OF   MAYOR  J.   M.  VAGK,   LAKAV  ETTK   AND   IMNK.  ST." 


SNKDKKKK   BLOCK,   N.   MAIN   ST. 


KIKST  BAKn.sT  cmKrH. 


RKOfKMAN'S  RKSTAIRANT.  NORTH    MAIN    STliKK'l'. 


m 


FIRST  NATIONAL   BANK,   MAIN   AND   I'KAKL  STKKKTS. 


UKSIDKNCE  OF  KLIAS  COCKUl  1  I     sol   III  M  \I1    MKI  1  I 


31 


(.Hui  1  oh  Ml  I    1  11  ii  Ns    \]\/.:.\:  DKi.i.  1'.\i;m. 


,IIi  (iKorNDS. 


CITY   HALL,   JERSEYVILLE,  ILL. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 


3  0112  031889972 


